Editorial Comment

Fixing Fertiliser: Urea subsidy cannot be allowed to continue unreformed

With fertiliser subsidies set to hit record levels, India faces growing pressure to reform urea pricing and shift support directly to farmers

Clear and present dangers: Citizens pay the price for municipal negligence

The deadly Delhi B&B fire highlights a deeper crisis of weak municipal oversight, routine safety violations and the urgent need for urban governance reforms

Gauging price pressures: New WPI and PPI hold promise, updates are key

The revised WPI expands the basket from 697 to 957 items, and improves the methodology to prepare weightings by using gross value of output instead of net traded value

Epic stalemate: US-Israel war on Iran hasn't achieved any of its objectives

Key global market indices around the world have plummeted; India alone has lost trillions in investor wealth with a steadily weakening rupee

A growth surprise: Healthy Q4 GDP print lends cushion amid hazy outlook

India's economy grew 7.8% in Q4 FY26, beating forecasts, but risks from the West Asia crisis, higher oil prices and a weak monsoon cloud the outlook

Tango and Cash: Choreographed moves of RBI, Centre good for bond markets

The government and RBI have unveiled tax and policy measures to revive foreign investment, strengthen the balance of payments and support the rupee

Beyond credit scores: Next inclusion phase must reach first-time borrowers

As seen in the 11th round of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development's Rural Economic Conditions and Sentiments Survey, around 22 per cent of the surveyed rural households still depend

A year of tariffs: Donald Trump's trade policy impoverishes US workers

New evidence from economists at Morgan Stanley sheds light on how US firms that are exposed to tariffs are changing their behaviour

Advertising curbs risk weakening broadcasters in a changed market

As of December 2025, the number of homes with cable & satellite TV was down to 100 million, according to estimates

New USTR tariff threats deepen trade uncertainty for India and beyond

After the courts struck down the Donald Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs imposed under emergency powers, Washington turned to alternative legal routes

Owners' pride: IPL's soaring valuations reflect a thriving business model

RCB's title win underscores the IPL's growing financial power, with franchise valuations soaring as the league emerges as one of the world's most profitable sports properties

Policy complexity: RBI MPC will have to reckon with several moving parts

With oil prices elevated and monsoon risks looming, the RBI is expected to hold rates steady while reassessing inflation and growth forecasts

Plastic currency: Switching to polymer bank notes can help manage costs

Polymer notes are made of a thin plastic substrate that is more resistant to moisture, dirt and tearing

Stress tests: Centralised examination systems are failing aspirants

Over the past decade, attempts to centralise the public-examination system have consistently led to sub-optimal outcomes

Improving health outcomes: Survey suggests the need for a holistic approach

NFHS-6 shows gains in child nutrition and healthcare access, but rising obesity and diabetes underscore the need for a more comprehensive public health strategy

Governance questions: HDFC Bank must emphatically address all concerns

HDFC Bank must address governance concerns transparently after reports of irregular payments linked to bulk deposits, while the RBI should clarify its oversight role

Measuring change: New IIP broadens scope of coverage, but needs better data

Advanced economies increasingly use dynamic industrial measurement systems, which regularly update weightings and production patterns

Deepening water stress across urban, rural centres calls for urgent reforms

Water availability must become a core criterion in selecting industrial sites, urban planning, and agricultural incentives

Empowering panchayats: Hyperlocal representation alone will not help

Panchayats are expected to manage digital-governance platforms such as eGramSwaraj and Gram Manchitra, while simultaneously implementing schemes related to housing, water, sanitation, and employment

IBC@10: Insolvency and bankruptcy code's administration needs improvement

The recent IBC (Amendment) Act, 2026, aims to strengthen the law and improve outcomes